Murkomen to Kenyans: We will protect you from rogue police, but...

His remarks come in the wake of widespread outrage over the killing of 31-year-old teacher Albert Ojwang.

Speaking on Friday during the destruction of illicit firearms at the National Police Leadership Academy in Ngong, Kajiado County—an event presided over by President William Ruto—Murkomen emphasized that police officers who violate human rights will be held personally accountable.

"There has been great debate in the country following the incidents in the recent past of a few police officers who have erred in their work, brutalising the citizens. Whereas we have a force of 120,000 officers, a few people, even if it is 50 or 100 officers, cannot be used to generalise or say that all our police officers are violating human rights. We will deal with every case per every individual," said Murkomen.

The Interior CS further stressed that no officer would be allowed to misuse their firearm or authority to harm civilians.

"...the citizens of this country must know that they have our maximum support in dealing with a few police officers who may misuse a firearm or authority to harm citizens. In such cases, we will deal with them firmly," Murkomen added.

However, Murkomen also urged the public to respect the authority of the police. Citing an incident in Nakuru where a protester was seen wielding a panga while police were attempting to calm a demonstration, he warned against lawlessness.

"I request the citizens also that they must respect the authority of police. Without respect of police authority, there is anarchy... Exercising freedom and rights does not include violence in the city, looting or burning of vehicles," said Murkomen.

He condemned the destruction of property and looting that occurred during Thursday's protests in Nairobi, which were held to demand justice for Ojwang’s killing.

Murkomen also pledged continued support for law enforcement officers carrying out their duties within the law.

"We will be firm in this Ministry, and we will support our police officers when they are enforcing law and order to ensure every other citizen who is going about their business is protected and their property is protected."

"It does not matter what people say, our duty in office and in the security sector is to keep the people safe. As we hold our police accountable, we will hold civilians accountable who are misusing their authority," he concluded.